Assam Unleashes 5 New Airports: Tourism & Economy Soar!

The Assam government and the Airports Authority of India (AAI) have taken a transformative step by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for a pre-feasibility study to establish five new greenfield airports in the state. This development marks a major leap in Assam’s aviation infrastructure, aimed at revolutionizing regional connectivity, boosting tourism, supporting defense needs, and driving economic growth across Northeast India.

Assam to Get 5 New Greenfield Airports: MoU Signed with AAI for Majuli, Manas, Umrangso, Diphu & Charaideo – Boost to Tourism & Connectivity

Assam’s Ambitious Aviation Push: 5 New Greenfield Airports on the Horizon

Guwahati, February 28, 2026 – In a landmark development for Assam’s infrastructure and Northeast India’s overall progress, the Assam government has signed a significant Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Airports Authority of India (AAI). The agreement focuses on conducting a comprehensive pre-feasibility study for the establishment of five new greenfield airports strategically located across the state.

The MoU was formalized at Lok Sewa Bhawan in Guwahati, in the august presence of Chief Minister Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma. Signing on behalf of the state was Commissioner and Secretary (Transport), Akashdeep, while AAI was represented by its Chairman, Vipin Kumar. This collaboration underscores the Centre-state synergy in expanding aviation networks in one of India’s most geographically diverse and tourism-rich regions.

Chief Minister Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma hailed the initiative as a “milestone” in Assam’s infrastructure journey. “The main objective of this MoU is to establish five new airports in Assam,” he stated during the event. “These locations have been chosen for their immense geographical importance and unparalleled tourism potential. The plan not only addresses tourism promotion but also strengthens national defense requirements.”

The Five Proposed Greenfield Airport Locations

The selected sites for these new greenfield airports in Assam are carefully chosen to unlock remote and high-potential areas:

1. Majuli – The world’s largest river island and a UNESCO-recognized cultural heritage site. An airport here would dramatically improve access for pilgrims, tourists, and locals, transforming Majuli into a major eco-cultural tourism hub.
2. Umrangso (Umrangshu) in Dima Hasao district – Often compared to Shillong for its stunning natural beauty, this hilly region will benefit from enhanced connectivity. The CM emphasized that smaller aircraft operations from here could link Assam’s distant corners seamlessly.
3. Manas National Park – A UNESCO World Heritage Site and tiger reserve. An airport near Manas would boost wildlife tourism, making it easier for domestic and international visitors to explore Assam’s biodiversity without long road journeys.
4. Diphu in Karbi Anglong district – Serving the tribal heartland, this airport would improve access to Karbi culture, hills, and emerging economic zones.
5. Charaideo – Home to the ancient Moidams (Ahom burial mounds), a site of historical significance. Connectivity here would promote heritage tourism and integrate Charaideo into Assam’s mainstream economy.

These locations were selected for their strategic value in promoting intra-state air travel, reducing dependence on road networks, and opening up underserved regions.

Why Assam Needs These New Greenfield Airports Now

Assam’s existing aviation infrastructure has seen remarkable growth. Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport in Guwahati now handles over 7 million passengers annually, with air traffic surging manifold in recent years. Dibrugarh Airport has similarly witnessed a sharp rise in movements. The upcoming new airport in Silchar (Dolo) is already in advanced stages, with construction expected to commence shortly.

However, vast parts of Assam—especially hills, river islands, national parks, and tribal districts—remain poorly connected by air. Road travel is often time-consuming, weather-dependent, and challenging during monsoons. The proposed five greenfield airports will address these gaps by enabling:

• Intra-state connectivity via smaller aircraft and regional flights.
• Faster access to tourist destinations, reducing travel time from hours to minutes.
• Economic multiplier effects through increased tourist arrivals, job creation in hospitality, aviation support services, and local businesses.
• Strategic benefits for defense logistics in border-proximate and hilly terrains.

The CM noted that these airports would particularly attract business travelers, adventure enthusiasts, and eco-tourists, injecting fresh momentum into Assam’s economy.

What the MoU Entails: Detailed Pre-Feasibility Study

Under the MoU, AAI will lead an in-depth pre-feasibility assessment, covering critical aspects such as:

• Potential runway planning and orientation.
• Navigation and air traffic control systems.
• Security infrastructure and protocols.
• Environmental impact assessments (crucial for sensitive sites like Manas National Park and Majuli).
• Land availability, geological surveys, and socio-economic evaluations.
• Connectivity to existing road and rail networks.

If the study returns positive outcomes, construction could begin soon, with completion targeted within the next five years. This timeline aligns with India’s broader UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik) scheme for regional connectivity and the government’s focus on developing underserved airports.

Broader Impact on Tourism, Economy, and Northeast India

Assam is blessed with unparalleled natural and cultural assets—Kaziranga and Manas for wildlife, Majuli for Vaishnavite culture, tea gardens, Brahmaputra river cruises, and hill stations. Yet, limited air access has constrained tourism growth.

These new greenfield airports are poised to change that. For instance:

• Umrangso’s airport could position it as a gateway to Dima Hasao’s landscapes, rivaling Meghalaya’s appeal.
• Manas airport would facilitate day trips from Guwahati or other hubs, increasing footfall at the tiger reserve.
• Majuli’s connectivity would preserve and promote its unique satras (monasteries) and mask-making traditions while easing resident travel.

Economically, the initiative is expected to create thousands of direct and indirect jobs—in construction, operations, hospitality, guiding, and allied sectors. It will also stimulate trade by linking remote producers (handicrafts, agro-products, tea) to larger markets.

On a regional scale, Assam could emerge as the aviation hub of Northeast India, complementing existing airports in Meghalaya, Tripura, Nagaland, and Arunachal Pradesh.

Challenges and the Path Forward

While promising, challenges remain—environmental clearances for eco-sensitive zones, land acquisition in hilly/riverine areas, funding, and terrain difficulties. AAI’s expertise, combined with state support, will be key to navigating these.

The government has shown commitment through parallel projects like Silchar’s new terminal and upgrades at other airports. Positive pre-feasibility results could fast-track these five greenfield airports in Assam under public-private partnership models or central schemes.

Conclusion: A New Era for Assam’s Skies

The MoU between the Assam government and AAI is more than an administrative step—it’s a vision for an interconnected, prosperous Northeast. By prioritizing regional connectivity and tourism through these strategic airports in Majuli, Manas National Park, Umrangso, Diphu, and Charaideo, Assam is scripting a new chapter in its development story.

As Chief Minister Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma aptly put it, this is about opening “new horizons” for tourism, trade, and overall progress. Watch this space for updates as the pre-feasibility study progresses—Assam’s skies are set to get busier and brighter.